Dancehall

Tommy Lee Sparta Booked For Reggae Sumfest Days After Prison Release

Dancehall star Tommy Lee Sparta secures his first post prison booking setting the stage for a big performance at the 2023 Reggae Sumfest

Tommy Lee Sparta
Tommy Lee Sparta

Tommy Lee Sparta has been booked for the premier Reggae Sumfest event set to take place on July 21-22, 2023, in Montego Bay.

It’s the first confirmed public appearance for the “Blessings” artist, who was released from jail last week after serving a five-year concurrent prison sentence for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The artist’s management requested privacy upon his release from the Horizon Adult Remand Centre last week. Within that time, the artist was seen enjoying family time with his daughters and rejuvenating at a river with his friends.

On Monday, Reggae Sumfest announced the artist’s booking writing on its Instagram page, “Sumfest! Get ready for the Spartan Soldier fi take over the stage July 21st.”

Reggae Sumfest

July 21 is usually dancehall night of the two-day festival, while night two is Reggae night. Although it’s March, Reggae Sumfest has been busy advertising the music festival, based in Montego Bay annually, for almost 30 years. The festival is now owned by Downsound Records’ Joe Bogdanovich and has seen its number of patrons growing annually as tourists also flock to Mobay for the staging.

Among the artists booked so far is the surprising comeback of Lady Saw, who now goes by the Moniker Minister Marion Hall, who is set to perform on night two (reggae night).

Other artists include veteran artists Richie Spice, Morgan Heritage, Freddie McGregor, and the Big Ship Crew featuring Chino McGregor, Stephen ‘Di Genius’ accompanied by Code Red Band and Grammy-winning artist Kabaka Pyramid all for Reggae night.

Dancehall night also welcomes the debut of several fresh faces, including “Dunce Cheque” artist Valiant, Chronic Law, and others. The full complement of artists is yet to be unveiled by the production company.

Sumfest includes pre-events that begin the week of the festival and culminate with Dancehall and Reggae night, usually held at Catherine Hall stadium.